Monday, March 11, 2019

Every four years, politicians seeking to raise their personal profile run for president of the United States. Some, I assume, actually think they have a chance to win. With the 2020 race already heating up, It's time to pause and reflect back on what was hailed as the “deepest field ever” of Republican candidates.

Some secured cabinet positions. Others returned to their pre-campaign posts. Many fell into obscurity. Since current names such as Kamala Harris, Corey Booker, and Amy Klobuchar are in the mainstream, this list might shed some perspective on how insignificant most of them will be in just a few years.

So, where are they now?

Jeb Bush- Initially the front-runner, the well-funded but unimpressive former governor of Florida became a “non-resident Presidential Professor of Practice for the 2018-19 academic year” at the University of Pennsylvania last September. While this is an utterly meaningless position, at least it contains “President” in the title. Consolations can be tough.

Ben Carson- True to form, Ben Carson has been quietly working his post of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development since he was confirmed in early 2017. Carson recently dispelled rumors of his resignation.

Chris Christie- Of all the candidates, Christie probably lost the most ground since 2016. Once considered a favorite to become President, he was out-bombasted by Trump in the primary, later reduced to being Trump’s bag boy, later reportedly considered for Vice President, then Chief of Staff, and then Attorney General. No such job manifested. He instead wrote a tell-all book in which he blamed Jared Kushner for the deflation of his career.

Ted Cruz- The second place GOP finisher recently won re-election to the Senate in a closer-than-expected race against the well-financed fake Hispanic, Robert Frances (Beto) O'Rourke.

Carly Fiorina- The lone female Republican candidate from 2016 now hosts a podcast called “By Example”, in which she talks leadership with people such as Colin Powell and Jay Bilas. She’s is releasing a self-help book in April.

Jim Gilmore- Yes, he actually ran for president. President Trump nominated the former Governor of Virginia to be the U.S. Representative to United States Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. His confirmation by the Senate is pending.

Lindsey Graham- Senator Lindsey Graham emerged as the best possible version of himself in defending Brett Kavanaugh. “Boy y’all want power, God I hope you never get it,” will go down as one of the most memorable SCOTUS confirmation hearing lines in recent history. Graham is one of the most outspoken senators in support of Trump’s national emergency declaration to build the wall.

Mike Huckabee- Running for president may be the least significant thing the former governor, pastor, author, musician, and talk show host has ever done. His daughter Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been White House Press Secretary since July 2017

Bobby Jindal- In August 2017, Jindal became operating adviser for Ares Management, a global investment firm based in Los Angeles. This past September, he joined the board of directors of WellCare, a Florida-based managed care health care company. He reportedly receives about $240,000 in cash and stock. Not bad for a governor who had less than 50% support of his own party in Louisiana by the time he left office.

John Kasich- Kasich is, shockingly, still a registered Republican. After departing as governor of Ohio in January, he took a job as Senior Political Commentator for CNN. He will fit in perfectly as the token Republican who agrees with the Democrats on almost everything.

George Pataki- ???

Rand Paul- The senator from Kentucky is one of four Republican Senators voting against Trump’s national emergency declaration to build the wall.

Rick Perry- After a disappointing 12th place finish on Dancing with the Stars, Perry became Secretary of Energy in early 2017. Still in office, apparently the glasses work.

Marco Rubio- At one point one of the rising stars in the GOP, Rubio has yet to fully recover his swagger after criticizing the size of Trump’s body parts. A good lesson in what not to do on the campaign trail.

Rick Santorum- CNN senior political commentator since 2017. If you enjoy watching a panel of 27 leftists gang up on one conservative, tune in.

Donald Trump- Despite the best efforts of the rabid resistance revolutionaries, Donald J. Trump is still President of the United States of America.

Scott Walker- At one point considered a top-tier candidate for president, Walker’s campaign fizzled early in a crowded field. The former governor of Wisconsin sought a third term in 2018 but lost by less than 30,000 votes.

Be honest, when was the last time you thought about Carly Fiorina or Scott Walker? It’s amazing how quickly people fall in and out of obscurity in today’s climate. Let’s take comfort in knowing that in just a few years, no one will have to think about 98% of the 10,000 democrats running for president in 2020.

James Tulp hosts The James Tulp Show weekdays at 7am on WYAB 103.9 FM. Check him out on his Facebook page at facebook.com/jamestulp

32 comments:

Anonymous
said...

The election of Donald Trump over the GOP's finest empty suits proves that the American people are willing to support anything better than a limp wristed RINO. And don't be surprised if Trump defeats the next set of clowns.

It also illustrates the modern political reality that sensationalism and notoriety for whatever reason, hold sway in the world of national politics. People want the simple, colorful, unapologetic stick in the eye of whoever they want to believe has messed things up so bad. The bolder and the louder the better. If Ronald McDonald (Big Mac in hand) or Bozo would launch a campaign, in either party, and make a few outlandish statements aimed at his perceived political enemies he would be a very formidable candidate for president, although I doubt either could defeat Mr.Trump. But if the economy tanks...I'm not so sure.

The "deep bench" of the republicans in 2016 was what led to DJT as the eventual nominee - helped by the national party's convention delegate selection rules - requiring that a candidate receive at least 15% of the vote to get any delegates from the state's primary. With so many in the field early fighting for the same basic Republican voter, they were dividing up that base with several getting 10, 12, 13% while Trump got 16 - 20%. So, Trump got the entire delegate vote from the primary. While Bush, Rubio, etc were splitting their votes, Trump and Cruz were on the outside fighting for the rest.

Until halfway through the primary season, Trump never got close to a quarter of a state's vote - but yet became the absolute front-runner in delegates via the 15% rule.

The Dems are going to face the same issue next year, doubled down - because their delegate selection process is even more convoluted and discriminatory (while trying in other ways to avoid discriminating against any alphabetic combination that exists or may exist at some time in the future.) Their bench is not so deep with experience, but it is deeper with those that have aspirations and a weird following for whatever left field position they may take.

Biden is leading their field, with 25% +/- in early worthless polls. And as hard as it is to think of him as being 'reasonable', compared to the rest of their wannabees, he will be overtaken in the same manner as those that were on the GOP bench by the Dems wingwalkers.

tRumPutin has killed the decency, integrity, and decorum of the office. He’s a joke! Kids don’t even respect him. They care more about an iPhone than that basketcase. He’s a nutjob without a clue. He can’t even spell and a person that can’t spell, can’t read. The last state of the union showed you that! He’s gotta be the worst orator of all U.S. Presidents! He’s an embarrassment and joke to the office, this nation, and the world! Hopefully a REAL republican that’s competent will challenge him in 2020. God knows we need it!

None of this matters. The American people do not really decide who becomes POTUS. The leaders of the world are chosen by God in heaven to fulfill the prophecies of his word. We as a nation must totally support and serve the Lord our God.

@8:43We would never know if Obama paid off a pornstar, or exchanged sexual favors for cocaine, because the media would never tell anyone. They would derisively mock anyone who mentioned it and call them racists and homophobic.

The media did the opposite with both Presidents. They actively covered up the human failures of Obama, while putting a spotlight and microscope on Trump's.

There’s a 1400 page biography on Obama out and us conservatives freaked out that he use to smoke pot. The only thing we dug up on Obama was a clip of a sermon on his pastor. We don’t even know if Trump even is a member of a church! But we let Trump get away with anything. What has happened to our true conservative values?!? I’m no fan of Obama but Trump can’t compare to his decency. Trump has made us the laughing stock of the world.

@9:41, TRUMPTARD ALERT!!!!! Do you realize that just last week it was acknowledged that Fox News was given evidence of Trump paying off porn stars and they actively decided to cover it up instead of reporting the damaging truth? Where does that leave you conspiracy theories?

9:43 Pound sand. No politician is THAT sacred. There are plenty of news sources conservative and liberal who would pay plenty to get the story on Obama or Trump. The trouble is, Obama is basically a dull, well-spoken, polite, family man, even if he is a Black liberal and Trump is just the opposite, even if you do identify with his profane ass.

What's amazing about Trump is despite the fact that he lies, bullies and every other unchristian thing. The religious right follows him Hook line and sinker. How they rationalize this is beyond me. The same for our elected christans how can the look at them selves in the mirror.

Trump doesn’t misspell those words on purpose, he does it because he’s stupid. He misspelled his own wife’s name on her birthday. I’m sure he paid good money for her through the mail-order service when he got her.

How can they support him? It's easy. The same way Democrats supported Bill Clinton in the 90's. Trump hasn't been accused of anything Clinton didn't do or was accused of doing yet the Dems were more than happy to fall on their swords for Bill.

Kingfish you know better, Bill may have had infidelities, he may have had a lawsuit or two. He actually showed up in a church every now and then too. Good Christians have lost their moral fiber supporting Trump. It's sad to see esteemed clegery make excuses for him. It's as if they have sold their soul to the devil. History will tell, whether he can fool the majority for a second term is not a forgone conclusion. As was the case in 2016, 2020 will not be about who comes out to vote but who doesn't. Many people say they support Trump publically but most of the ones I know aren't registered much less vote.

You also must not know much about Christian moral fiber. Jesus didn't surround himself with Aristocratic Temple leaders. He spent his time among the sinners and even kissed the man who delivered him for crucifixion.

Who is the Hottest Reporter in Jackson?

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!